Alonso fury over penalty 'cheat' jibes

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has reacted angrily to suggestions he cheated
in trying to win a penalty in the 3-1 FA Cup third round defeat to Arsenal at
Anfield.

The match was goalless when the Spain international knocked the ball past
Gilberto only to be caught by the Brazilian's two-footed lunge in the 25th
minute.

Alonso's fall was a touch on the theatrical side but there was definite
contact. However, referee Steve Bennett, stood just five yards away, booked the
Liverpool player for diving.

It proved to be a turning point as Tomas Rosicky scored twice in the last
eight minutes of the half and although Dirk Kuyt pulled one back with a
71st-minute header Thierry Henry made the result safe late on.

'I felt the contact, that is for sure,' said Alonso.

'People who have watched it on TV have said it was a clear penalty and I felt
that on the pitch.

'I was talking to the referee and Gilberto and I said to them there had been
contact, that I didn't cheat.

'I was trying to play with the ball and I fell down because of that contact -
I was not cheating.'

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez felt Kent official Bennett made an incorrect
snap decision, not only in not awarding the spot-kick but also in cautioning the
player.

'I felt it was a penalty early on when Xabi Alonso was brought down,' said
Benitez.

'I was not happy with the yellow card for Alonso, the card was too quick.
Sometimes you need to wait before making a decision that quickly.

'There was contact, but it was not very clear. And if it is not clear then it
should not be a yellow card.'

Kuyt, named man of the match, admitted he was hoping his first experience of
the FA Cup would have lasted longer than the one highly-charged game at
Anfield.

'I loved the FA Cup. I'm really disappointed it (the experience) has stayed
with one game,' said the £10million summer signing from Feyenoord.

'In Holland the FA Cup is very famous so it is a shame we didn't go through.
It is really disappointing for me but I am already looking forward to next year
to play in it again.

'The atmosphere was really incredible. I have a great respect for the crowd
and they helped us at difficult moments in the game.'